Lateral link synchronization during user equipment selection

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for sidelink (SL) synchronization during user equipment (UE) selection. A method may include receiving one or more messages from one or more devices of a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The method may also include selecting at least one device of the selected set of devices for the positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The method may also include performing a positioning estimation of the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from at least one device of the selected set of devices over the positioning communication session.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technology, or above 5G, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems, and / or methods for sidelink (SL) synchronization during user equipment (UE) selection. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro, and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology, or NR access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to next generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is mostly based on New Radio (NR) technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR will provide bit rates of approximately 10-20 Gbit / s or higher and will support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), as well as massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extreme broadband and ultra-robust low latency connectivity and large-scale networks to support IoT. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to some example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The method may also include selecting at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The method may also include performing a position estimation of the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from the at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The apparatus may also be caused to: select at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The apparatus may also be caused to: perform a positioning estimate of the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages includes synchronization information. The apparatus may also include means for selecting at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The apparatus may also include means for performing a position estimation of the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0006] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The method may also include selecting at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The method may also include performing a position estimation for the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The method may also include selecting at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The method may also include performing a position estimation for the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from the at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to select at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to perform a position estimation for the apparatus based on positioning signals received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0009] Some example embodiments may involve a method. The method may include receiving a request for synchronization information from a device. The method may also include performing a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The method may also include sending one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include performing positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0010] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: receive a request for synchronization information from a device. The apparatus may also be caused to: perform a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The apparatus may also be caused to: send one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to: receive a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to: perform positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0011] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: a component for receiving a request for synchronization information from a device. The apparatus may also include: a component for performing a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may include: a component for receiving a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may include: a component for performing positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0012] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a request for synchronization information from a device. The method may also include performing a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The method may also include sending one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include performing positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0013] Other example embodiments may relate to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include receiving a request for synchronization information from a device. The method may also include performing a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The method may also include sending one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include receiving a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include performing positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0014] Other example embodiments may relate to an apparatus that may include: a circuit system configured to receive a request for synchronization information from a device. The apparatus may also include: a circuit system configured to perform a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The apparatus may also include: a circuit system configured to send one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may include: a circuit system configured to receive a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may include: a circuit system configured to perform positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 An example sidelink (SL) positioning scenario is illustrated.

[0017] FIG2(a) illustrates an example of downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) such as SL positioning.

[0018] FIG2( b ) illustrates an example of uplink TDOA (UL-TDOA) such as SL positioning.

[0019] Figure 3 An example of priority groups for synchronization reference sources is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 4A An example of a signal flow graph for an SL positioning scenario is illustrated, in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0021] Figure 4B Illustrated is a diagram according to some example embodiments Figure 4A Continuation of the SL positioning scenario signal flow graph in .

[0022] Figure 4C Illustrated is a diagram according to some example embodiments Figure 4A Further continuation of the SL positioning scenario signal flow graph in.

[0023] Figure 5 Another example of a signal flow graph for an SL positioning scenario is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0024] Figure 6 An example flow chart of a SL positioning method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 7 A collection of apparatuses according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] It will be readily appreciated that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated herein and in the accompanying figures, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for SL synchronization during UE selection. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to SL synchronization considerations during anchor UE selection.

[0027] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions (where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) mean at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0028] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described in this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrases "a particular embodiment," "an example embodiment," or "some embodiments" throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in some embodiments," "an example embodiment," "in some embodiments," or other similar language throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. Furthermore, throughout this specification, the terms "cell," "gNB," "network," or other similar language may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the terms "sync," "synchronization," or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0029] As used herein, a target UE may refer to a UE to be positioned, and an anchor UE may refer to a UE that supports positioning of the target UE (e.g., by transmitting and / or receiving reference signals for positioning over the SL interface). The functionality of an anchor UE (i.e., an anchor node) may be similar to uplink / downlink (UL / DL)-based positioning, where a gNB acting as an anchor transmits / receives reference signals to / from the target UE for positioning. Furthermore, as used herein, an SL Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) may refer to a reference signal transmitted over the SL for positioning purposes.

[0030] SL PRS (pre) configuration may be collectively referred to as (pre) configuration parameters of SL PRS, such as time-frequency resources (including their bandwidth and period), and direction-related parameters (e.g., beam direction, beam width, and number of beams). SL PRS (pre) configuration may also refer to (pre) configuration parameters of SL PRS, such as transmit power. In addition, coverage or partial coverage may be determined by the network (e.g., by the Location Management Function (LMF) or gNB), and out-of-coverage may be autonomously pre-configured and / or determined by the UE. SL synchronization considerations during anchor UE selection may also involve roadside units (RSUs), where fixed infrastructure entities of UE type or gNB type support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications. Absolute positioning may refer to estimating the position of a UE in 2D / 3D geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, altitude) within a coordinate system. In addition, relative positioning may refer to position estimation relative to other network elements or relative to other UEs. In addition, ranging may refer to determining the distance between two UEs and / or the direction of one UE to other UEs via a direct device connection.

[0031] The technical specifications of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) consider SL positioning in situations such as V2X, public safety, and commercial and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In addition, 3GPP considers scenarios and requirements for in-coverage, partial coverage, and out-of-coverage NR positioning use cases with a focus on V2X and public safety use cases. SA1 in 3GPP establishes requirements for ranging-based services and positioning accuracy requirements for IIoT use cases in out-of-coverage scenarios. Positioning requirements can be captured via key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, KPIs may include horizontal and vertical accuracy, where vertical accuracy refers to height accuracy and determines the floor for indoor use cases, as well as overlay tracks that distinguish between road and rail use cases (e.g., bridges). KPIs may also include positioning service availability, which corresponds to a percentage value of the amount of time that the positioning service delivers the required location-related data within the performance requirements divided by the amount of time the system expects to deliver the positioning service according to the specifications in the target service area. KPIs may also include positioning service latency, which corresponds to the time elapsed between the event that triggers the determination of location-related data and the availability of location-related data at the system interface. Additionally, the KPIs may include a time to fix (TTFF), which corresponds to the amount of time that elapses between the determination that an event first triggers location-related data and the availability of the location-related data at the location system interface. The KPIs may also include update rate and energy consumption parameters.

[0032] Figure 1 An example SL positioning scenario is illustrated. SL positioning may be based on the transmission of SL-PRS by multiple anchor UEs 112-114 to be received by the target UE 110 (or the exchange of SL-PRS between anchor UEs and target UEs) to enable positioning of the target UE 110 within the precise delay and accuracy requirements of the corresponding SL positioning session. For example, Figure 1 As shown in , the target UE 110 may be performing a SL positioning session (ie, exchanging SL-PRS with at least two anchor UEs 112, 114 to determine the location of the target UE 110). Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the anchor UEs 112, 114 may provide SL-PRS assistance (including SL-PRS) to the target UE 110 to enable the target UE 110 to determine its position.

[0033] Figure 2(a) illustrates an example of DL time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA) such as SL TDOA, and Figure 2(b) illustrates an example of UL-TDOA such as SL TDOA. SL-TDOA technology is a positioning technology that does not require bidirectional SL PRS transmission between the transmitter and the receiver. 3GPP supports two types of TDOA technologies, including, for example, DL-TDOA and UL-TDOA. SL-TDOA can be implemented using similar concepts and principles of DL-TDOA and UL-TDOA. In an example embodiment, DL-TDOA and UL-TDOA can correspond to type 1 and type 2 of TDOA technology, respectively. In DL-TDOA (technology type 1), as shown in Figure 2(a), the target UE 210 can estimate reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurements based on SL positioning reference signals (212a-218a) sent by different anchor UEs (212-218), and calculate the position of the target UE 210. In UL-TDOA (Type 1), as shown in FIG2(b), the target UE 210 may transmit SL-PRS (212b-218b) to multiple anchor UEs 212-218, and the anchor UEs 212-218 may measure relative time of arrival (RTOA) similar to UL-TDOA (Type 2). This measurement may be reported to a position calculation entity (e.g., LMF 230 or target UE 210) to estimate the position of the target UE 210. Since both DL-TDOA and UL-TDOA processes may be based on TDOA measurements, both processes may require precise time synchronization between the reference UEs 212-218 to obtain an accurate position estimate for the target UE 210.

[0034] SL positioning may also involve SL transmissions organized in frames identified by direct frame numbers (DFNs). The DFNs may enable a UE (e.g., any one of 212-218) to synchronize its radio frame transmissions according to a SL timing reference 220. In an example embodiment, the UEs 212-218 may perform SL synchronization by synchronizing with the same reference (e.g., SL timing reference 220) to have the same SL timing reference 220 for SL communication between nearby UEs. In an example embodiment, the reference 220 (as shown in FIG. 2( a) and FIG. 2( b) as a collective reference 220) may include one or more of a plurality of sources 220a to 220c for synchronization reference (SyncRef), including, for example, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) 220a, an NR cell (gNB) or an EUTRAN cell (eNB) 220b, a SyncRef UE 220c. In another example embodiment, the SyncRef UE 220c may be any one of the anchor UE's own internal clocks (e.g., 212c-218c).

[0035] Figure 3 The figure shows an example of priority groups for synchronization reference sources. Figure 3 As shown in , depending on whether it is GNSS-based 320a / 220a synchronization (GNSS as the highest priority) or gNB / eNB-based synchronization 320b / 220b (gNB / eNB has the highest priority), the UE 210 can select its SyncRef (e.g., 220) of a source with different priorities P0 to P6 (where P0 to P6 correspond to from the highest priority to the lowest priority, respectively).

[0036] As described above (see also FIG2 (a) and FIG2 (b) for illustration), in SL, UEs 212-218 can perform SL synchronization by synchronizing with the same reference source 220, so that nearby UEs (e.g., 212-218) have the same SL timing reference 220 for SL communication. In the event that gNB / eNB 320b / 220b or GNSS 320a / 220a is not available as a synchronization reference source, a UE (e.g., UE 212) can perform SL synchronization by synchronizing with a SyncRef UE (e.g., UE 214). However, during this process, synchronization misalignment may occur between UEs (212, 214), for example, due to synchronization misalignment of their respective SyncRefs (e.g., 220d, 220e), stability of the UEs' own clocks (e.g., UE clocks 212c, 214c), and / or UE implementation errors. Therefore, in SL positioning, supporting and maintaining a high level of synchronization between anchor UEs 212-218 may be difficult, especially considering that anchor UEs 212-218 may be built with much lower cost hardware / software equipment than gNB (e.g., 220b). In addition, anchor UEs 212-218 may have lower processing capabilities than gNB 220b, and anchor UEs 212-218 may also be randomly distributed mobile UEs without any backhaul connection support.

[0037] In a TDOA-based SL positioning solution, positioning accuracy may depend on the synchronization precession between anchor UEs (e.g., 212, 214), where a timing misalignment of 1 nanosecond may result in a positioning error of approximately 36 cm. Therefore, highly synchronized anchor UEs may be required to support the SL TDOA method to meet the accuracy requirements of SL positioning. However, as described above, not all anchor UEs 212-218 can be well synchronized. Therefore, if there is a synchronization misalignment between the anchor UEs 212-218 in a SL positioning session, the positioning accuracy of the target UE 210 may be reduced. In view of the above shortcomings, certain example embodiments may provide a method to select / determine a set of anchor UEs 212-218 that are synchronized with a desired level of accuracy so that the UE can perform accurate SL positioning. That is, certain example embodiments may include a solution for a target UE 210 for a SL positioning session that has information about the synchronization accuracy between the anchor UEs 212-218 to achieve high-precision positioning.

[0038] According to certain example embodiments, the first UE 210 (e.g., target UE) may be configured to perform certain operations with the anchor UEs 212-218, including, for example, Figures 4A-4C For simplicity of description and for illustration purposes, the elements described in FIG2 may be used to illustrate the Figures 4A to 4C For example, UE 210 to 218 in FIG. 2 may correspond to Figures 4A to 4C UEs 410 to 418 in . Similarly, although Figures 4A to 4C Although not explicitly shown, for purposes of illustration and description, elements 217, 219, and 220 may be considered to be functionally present.

[0039] For example, the first UE 410 (eg, target UE) may select a set of second UEs 412-418 (eg, one or more of anchors 1 to 4) as candidate anchor UEs for SL positioning (eg, see Figures 4A-4C , operation 1). The first UE 410 may also request (for example, see Figures 4A-4C Operation 2) Synchronization status assistance information. According to certain example embodiments, the synchronization status assistance information may include at least one or more of various information elements (IEs). For example, the IE may include the type of synchronization status assistance information desired at the target UE 410.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the synchronization status assistance information type may be type 1, which may include information about one or more other UEs 414 (ie, Figures 4A-4CThe synchronization state information of the anchor 2 in the other UE 412 is displayed. The other UE may be synchronized with the second UE 412 (i.e., anchor 1) and its synchronization accuracy may be within the indicated synchronization accuracy threshold L1. In some example embodiments as shown in operation 2a, the synchronization accuracy threshold L1 may correspond to a real number (e.g., x0 nanoseconds).

[0041] In certain example embodiments, the synchronization accuracy threshold (L1) may be explicitly or implicitly indicated by first UE 410 in a request (i.e., operation 1) sent to second UE 412. The type 1 synchronization status information that first UE 410 may request from second UE 412 may include, for example, identifiers (IDs) of one or more co-synchronized UEs (and possibly N synchronized UEs, in which case N of UEs = 2), IDs of one or more non-synchronized UEs (i.e., 217, 219 as shown in FIG. 2), and / or a synchronization level relative to other co-synchronized UEs 416-418 (e.g., anchors 3 and 4).

[0042] In other example embodiments (e.g., operation 2c), the IE may include type 2 synchronization status assistance information, which may include synchronization status information regarding the synchronization level L2 (i.e., synchronization threshold) of one or more third UEs (e.g., UE 412). In some example embodiments, the UE(s) 412 may be indicated by the first UE 410 in a request to the other anchor UEs 414, 416, 418 (i.e., operation 1).

[0043] In another example embodiment, the IE may include a Type 3 information type, which may include information related to the synchronization reference source(s) of the second UE 412 (i.e., anchor 1 UE) or the synchronization reference source of other commonly synchronized UEs (if available). In certain example embodiments, the target UE 410 may select a synchronization reference source 420 (similar to 220 in FIG. 2 ) and a threshold, and request synchronization assistance information from an anchor UE (e.g., any one of anchor UEs 412-418) that has the same synchronization reference source 220 within the threshold. In other example embodiments, the request to the second UE 412 may include information regarding the reliability of synchronization (e.g., the variance of synchronization error). For example, the reliability of synchronization may be between anchor UEs, between an anchor UE and a reference source, or between an anchor UE and another selected UE (potentially an anchor UE). The reliability of synchronization may ensure that the anchor UEs (e.g., anchor 2, 3, anchor 1, 3, anchor 1, 2) are synchronized, regardless of whether the target UE is synchronized with the anchor UE.

[0044] According to certain example embodiments, target UE 410 may receive data from one or more second UEs (ie, anchors 1-4 or UEs 412-418; see Figures 4A-4C, operations 4 and 4a-4e) receive synchronization state assistance information, which may include one or more of the above-described example embodiments based on the requested information type(s). For example, if the information is type 1, the target UE 410 may receive an ID from the anchor UE 412 and / or the synchronization level of other co-synchronization nodes (e.g., anchors 414 and 416) with the anchor UE 412, and / or the IDs of other co-synchronization UEs 414-418, as well as the synchronization level L2 between the second UE 412 and the other UEs 414-418. In other example embodiments, this level may not be limited to level L2, and there may be multiple levels of synchronization. If the information is type 2, the information may include the synchronization level between the second UE 412 and the indicated third UE(s) 414. Furthermore, if the information is type 3, the information may include the SyncRef source of the second UE (e.g., SyncRef UE ID) or information regarding whether the same reference source 420 is used with the third UE 414.

[0045] In certain example embodiments, after target UE 410 acquires the requested synchronization state assistance information, target UE 410 may perform anchor UE (re)selection for SL positioning (anchors 1 to 4 or any one of UEs 412-418; see Figures 4A-4C , operation 5). After the anchor UE(s) (eg, anchor 1 or UE 412) is selected, the target UE 410 may establish and perform communication with the selected anchor UE(s) (eg, anchor 1 or UE 412; see Figures 4A-4C , operation 6-8) of SL communication.

[0046] According to certain example embodiments, the second UE 412 may receive a request sent from the first UE 410 (see Figure 4A , operation 2), wherein the request may be a request for synchronization status information. After the second UE 412 receives the request, the second UE 412 may perform synchronization status evaluation according to the request (see Figure 4A, operation 3). For example, if the request is a type 1 or type 2 request, the second UE 412 (anchor 1) may coordinate with other anchor UEs 414-418 (e.g., anchors 2-4) regarding its positioning synchronization state. The second UE 412 may also receive positioning signals from the other anchor UEs 414-418, calculate signal transmission times based on the anchor UE's location knowledge, and / or estimate synchronization accuracy by taking into account anchor UE PRS transmission impairments. In addition, the second UE 412 may communicate with a positioning reference point and request synchronization information (414-418) from the other anchor UEs. The synchronization information may refer to the time drift between the transmission times of the reference signal of a given device (e.g., an anchor UE). In some example embodiments, to determine the synchronization accuracy, the second UE 412 may employ a technology such as an ultra-wideband (UWB) signal. In certain example embodiments, if the request is a type 3 request, the second UE 412 may estimate its synchronization PRS drift compared to the synchronization reference source 420 or positioning reference point.

[0047] According to certain example embodiments, the second UE 412 may send synchronization status assistance information to the third UE 414 according to the received request (see Figures 4A-4C , operations 4 and 4a-4e). According to other example embodiments, the second UE 412 may receive a SL positioning establishment request from the target UE (see Figures 4A-4C , operation 6), and after receiving the SL positioning establishment request, perform SL positioning with the target UE 410 (see Figures 4A-4C , operations 7 and 8).

[0048] Figures 4A-4C Further illustrated is an example signal flow diagram 400 according to certain example embodiments. Figures 4A-4C As shown, the target UE 410 may request the selected one or more initial anchor nodes 1-4 (ie, anchor UEs 412-418) to provide feedback about the anchor nodes with which it is synchronized (eg, anchor 1, 2; anchor 1, 3; anchor 1, 4; anchor 2, 3; etc.).

[0049] In operation 1, the target UE 410 may detect potential anchor UEs (anchors 1-4) and select a subset of anchor UEs (e.g., anchors 1, 2) to trigger an initial SL positioning session. According to certain example embodiments, the detection by the target UE 410 may be performed using a direct discovery model (e.g., model A and / or B) or an indirect model. The target UE 410 may then select an initial set of anchor nodes for positioning information exchange. According to certain example embodiments, the selection may be based on basic information received from the discovery message (i.e., received signal quality, periodicity, and / or bandwidth) plus additional information obtained by measurements / estimations of received reference signals (or discovery messages). For example, the measurements / estimations may include: proximity, previous positioning experience, line-of-sight (LOS) conditions, received reference signal received power (RSRP) or reference signal received quality (RSRQ), etc. In Figures 4A-4C In the example of FIG. 4 , it may be assumed that the target UE 410 selects anchor nodes 1 to 4 (ie, anchors 412 - 418 ) for initial positioning information exchange. However, in other example embodiments, more anchors may be selected.

[0050] In operation 2, the target UE 410 may send a request to at least one of the initially selected anchor UEs (e.g., one or more of anchor nodes 1-4). The request may include at least a request for assistance information about the synchronization state (and potential additional information required for SL positioning). In some example embodiments, the request may be a request for a common synchronization anchor within a threshold (e.g., Figure 4A 2a embodiment 1 in the example embodiment). For example, in this example embodiment, the target UE may determine a synchronization accuracy threshold (e.g., x0 nanoseconds) and request the selected anchor node to provide feedback of the IDs of other anchor nodes (e.g., any one of the anchors 412-418, or anchors other than the anchors 412-418) that are synchronized with the selected anchor node within a predefined threshold. Figures 4A-4C As shown in , the target UE 410 may send a request to the anchor nodes 1-4. Alternatively, in other example embodiments, the target UE 410 may also request the selected anchors 1-4 to report non-synchronized anchors (ie, other anchors than the anchors 412-418) in a specific area.

[0051] In other example embodiments, the request may be a request for a common synchronization anchor that meets a synchronization accuracy threshold set by the target UE (e.g., Figure 4A 2b embodiment 2 in FIG. ). For example, in this example embodiment, target UE 410 may request anchor nodes 1-4 to provide feedback on at least N co-synchronized UEs (i.e., the same or different anchors as anchors 412-418) and their corresponding synchronization accuracy levels. In certain example embodiments, the synchronization accuracy levels may correspond to a discretized number or level with different ranges of accuracy values, such as low, medium, and high.

[0052] According to some example embodiments, the request may be a request for a synchronization status with respect to another anchor UE (eg, Figure 4A 2b embodiment 3 in FIG. ). For example, in this example embodiment, the target UE may determine an anchor node (or set of anchor nodes) (e.g., anchor 1) and a synchronization threshold. The target UE may then request other anchor nodes to provide feedback to the target UE regarding whether the other anchor nodes are synchronized with the designated anchor node (i.e., anchor 1) within a predefined threshold. Alternatively, in other example embodiments, the target UE may request anchors 1-4 to provide feedback regarding their synchronization accuracy levels.

[0053] In some example embodiments, the request may be a request for a synchronization reference source (e.g., Figure 4A 2d embodiment 4 in FIG. ). For example, in this example embodiment, the target UE message / request may include a request for information about a reference synchronization source and a request for an anchor node accuracy estimate of its PRS signal relative to the reference source. In other example embodiments, the target UE 410 may request anchor nodes 1-4 to provide information about the source and synchronization level of other anchor nodes corresponding to anchors 412-418 or anchors other than anchors 412-418 (if available due to inter-UE coordination between the anchor nodes).

[0054] According to some example embodiments, the request may be a request for a synchronization reference source having a threshold value (e.g., Figure 4B 2e embodiment 5 in). For example, in this example embodiment, the target UE may determine / select a synchronization reference source 420 (e.g., GNSS) and a threshold margin (e.g., x1 nanoseconds), and request a response from an anchor node (e.g., a candidate anchor UE) that uses a similar reference source 420 and is synchronized within a predefined threshold.

[0055] In addition to the various requests described above that may be sent by the target UE, in other example embodiments, the target UE may request feedback from anchor nodes 1-4 regarding the sustainability of synchronization between anchor nodes 1 to 4. In this example embodiment, the selected anchor node(s) may provide feedback regarding the duration for which they can maintain synchronization (with a predefined level of accuracy and reliability) with other anchor nodes, such as any one of anchors 412-418 or additional anchors (or reference sources). In other example embodiments, the target UE may also request feedback from the selected anchor nodes regarding the coverage and duration of the SL-PRS transmissions they support. In some example embodiments, some anchor nodes may be able to broadcast SL-PRS in a certain direction (i.e., a certain panel in FR2) for a limited period of time, and when the target UE is mobile, have limited power (or beam gain in FR2) for SL-PRS transmissions with higher power that can be received from a greater distance. In some example embodiments, depending on the scenario, the target UE 410 may not necessarily require all anchor UEs 412-418 to respond.

[0056] Back to Figure 4A In operation 3, the anchor nodes 1-4 may receive the request from the target UE and perform synchronization evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, synchronization evaluation between the anchor nodes may be implemented by applying different methods, such as coordination between the anchor nodes, communication with a positioning reference unit, use of UWB signals, etc.

[0057] At operation 4, the anchor UE may respond to the target UE positioning synchronization request by providing at least the required synchronization information to the target UE. For example, in certain example embodiments, as a response to the target UE request in operation 2a of operation 2, where the target UE requests the ID of a common synchronization node with an accuracy threshold of x0 nanoseconds (e.g., Figure 4A In the embodiment 4a of the present invention, the synchronization information may include: a response from anchor node 1 that it is synchronized with anchor node 2 and anchor node 3. In addition, anchor node 2 may respond that it is synchronized with anchor node 1 and anchor node 3. In addition, anchor node 3 may respond that it is synchronized with anchor nodes 1 and 2. In addition, anchor node 4 may respond that it is synchronized with anchor node 5 (anchor node 5 is in Figure 4A not shown).

[0058] like Figure 4A As further shown in FIG, as a response to the target UE request in 2b of operation 2, wherein the target UE requests an ID of a common synchronization node plus a synchronization level (SL) (eg, Figure 4A 4b embodiment 2 response), the anchor node 1 can respond: its SL value is SL = y 12 Nanosecond anchor node 2 and SL = y 23In addition, the anchor node 3 can respond: it is synchronized with SL=y 23 Nanosecond anchor node 2 and SL = y 13 In addition, anchor node 4 can respond: it is synchronized with SL=y 45 Nanoseconds of anchor node 5 synchronization.

[0059] Figure 4A Also illustrated is a response to the target UE request in 2c of operation 2, wherein the target UE requests the synchronization status of another anchor UE (i.e., whether the anchor node is synchronized with the anchor node 1 having a SL better than 1x nanoseconds) (e.g., 4c embodiment 3 response in FIG. 4). In this example embodiment, the anchor node 2 may respond: its synchronization with SL=y 12 In addition, anchor node 3 can respond: it is synchronized with SL=y 13 In addition, anchor node 4 may respond with an unknown synchronization status with anchor node 1.

[0060] As further shown in FIG. 4 , in response to the target UE request in 2d operation 2, the target UE requests information about the reference synchronization source (RSS) of the anchor node and the estimated PRS estimation accuracy of the anchor node (e.g., Figure 4A In the embodiment 4d of the response, anchor node 1 may respond: its RSS = GNSS, where SL = z1 nanoseconds. Furthermore, anchor node 2 may respond: its RSS = GNSS, where SL = z2 nanoseconds. Furthermore, anchor node 3 may respond: its RSS = GNSS, where SL = z3 nanoseconds. Furthermore, anchor node 4 may respond: its RSS = LTE eNB, where SL = z4 nanoseconds.

[0061] exist Figure 4A In response to the target UE request in 2e operation 2, wherein the target UE requests the anchor node whether to use GNSS as a reference synchronization source 420 with an SL better than w0 nanoseconds (e.g., Figure 4B 4e embodiment 5 response), anchor node 1 may respond with "yes" and SL = z1 nanoseconds. In addition, anchor node 2 (UE 414) may respond with "yes" and SL = z2 nanoseconds. In addition, anchor node 3 (UE 416) may respond with "yes" and SL = z3 nanoseconds, and anchor node 4 may or may not provide a response.

[0062] exist Figure 4B In operation 5, the target UE 410 can achieve that the anchor nodes (eg, anchor nodes 1, 2, 3) are fully synchronized with each other, and the anchor node 4 (UE 418) and the anchor node 5 ( Figure 4B Not shown, but similar to Figure 2A-2BThe same is true for UE 217 or UE 219 in FIG. By considering other factors (e.g., received signal power / quality, bandwidth, signal periodicity, signal duration, etc.), the target UE may determine to establish a positioning session with anchor nodes 1, 2, and 3. Figure 4C As further shown in FIG, at operation 6, the target UE 410 may establish a positioning session with the selected anchor nodes (e.g., anchor nodes 1, 2, and 3). Furthermore, at operation 7, the anchor nodes 1, 2, and 3 may broadcast SL-PRS to the target UE 410, and at operation 8, the target UE 410 may perform TDOA positioning based on the received SL-PRS signals.

[0063] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method may be performed by a network entity, a network node, or a plurality of network element groups in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR).

[0064] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 5 The method may include, at 500, receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The method may also include, at 505, selecting at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The method may also include, at 510, performing a position estimation of the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0065] According to certain example embodiments, the synchronization information may include at least one of the following items: an identifier of one or more other devices in the selected device set, which one or more other devices are synchronized with one or more devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set; an identifier of one or more other devices in the selected device set, and a level of synchronization between one or more devices in the selected device set and one or more other devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set; a level of synchronization between one or more devices in the selected device set and one or more other devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set; an indication that one or more devices in the selected device set use the same synchronization reference source as one or more other devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set; or an indication of the reliability of the synchronization.

[0066] According to some example embodiments, the method may further include: selecting a selected device set from a plurality of device sets; and transmitting a request for synchronization information from the selected device set to one or more devices in the selected device set. According to some example embodiments, the selection of the selected device set is performed before the transmission of the request for synchronization information. According to other example embodiments, the positioning signal received from at least one device in the selected device set may include a positioning reference signal.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the synchronization information may include synchronization status assistance information indicating at least a synchronization level threshold. In some example embodiments, the positioning signal may be received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via one or both of a sidelink interface and an air interface. In other example embodiments, the synchronization information is received from one of: a network node, a peer anchor user device, or a global navigation satellite system. In further example embodiments, the selected set of devices may include an anchor user device, and the apparatus is a target user device.

[0068] Figure 6 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method may be performed by a network entity, a network node, or a plurality of network element sets in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example implementation, Figure 6 The method may be performed by an anchor UE (ie, an anchor node), for example, similar to Figure 7 The device 10 or 20 is shown.

[0069] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 6 The method may include, at 600, receiving a request for synchronization information from a device. The method may also include, at 605, performing a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The method may also include, at 610, sending one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include, at 615, receiving a positioning session establishment request based on the synchronization information. Furthermore, the method may include, at 620, performing positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0070] According to certain example embodiments, performance of synchronization status evaluation may include at least one of: coordinating with one or more other devices in the device set regarding a positioning synchronization status; receiving a positioning signal from one or more other devices in the device set, calculating a signal transmission time based on location knowledge of the one or more devices in the device set, and estimating synchronization accuracy by taking into account positioning reference signal transmission impairments; or communicating with a positioning reference point and requesting synchronization information from one or more other devices in the device set.

[0071] According to some example embodiments, performing the synchronization status assessment may include: estimating a drift of a synchronization positioning reference signal of the apparatus compared to a synchronization reference source or positioning reference point of the apparatus. According to other example embodiments, the synchronization information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of one or more other devices in the set of devices that are commonly synchronized with one or more devices in the set of devices; an identifier of the one or more other devices in the set of devices and a level of synchronization between the one or more devices in the set of devices and the one or more other devices in the set of devices; a level of synchronization between the one or more devices in the set of devices and the one or more other devices in the set of devices; an indication that the one or more devices in the set of devices use the same synchronization reference source as the one or more other devices in the set of devices; or an indication of reliability of the synchronization.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the synchronization information may include synchronization status assistance information indicating at least a synchronization level threshold. In some example embodiments, the synchronization information is sent from one of: a network node, a peer anchor user device, or a global navigation satellite system. In other example embodiments, one or more other devices in the set of devices may include an anchor user device, and the device is a target user device.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 including computer program code. The at least one memory 14 and the computer program code may be configured to, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 12, cause the apparatus 10 to: receive one or more messages (e.g., Figures 4A-4C According to some example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be further configured to: select at least one device (e.g., Figures 4A-4CAccording to a further example embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be caused to perform a positioning estimation of the apparatus (e.g., Figures 4A-4C Steps 7 and 8 in the previous step).

[0074] In some example embodiments, the synchronization information may include at least one of the following: an identifier of one or more other devices in the selected device set that are synchronized with one or more devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set (e.g., type 1 information); an identifier of one or more other devices in the selected device set and a level of synchronization between one or more devices in the selected device set and one or more other devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set (e.g., type 1 information); a level of synchronization between one or more devices in the selected device set and one or more other devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set (e.g., type 2 information); an indication that one or more devices in the selected device set use the same synchronization reference source as one or more other devices in the selected device set and one or more devices other than the selected device set (e.g., type 3 information); or an indication of the reliability of the synchronization.

[0075] According to some example embodiments, the at least one memory 14 and the computer program code may also be configured to: when the instruction is executed by the at least one processor 12, use the instruction to cause the apparatus 10 to: select a selected device set (e.g., Figures 4A-4C ), and sending a request for synchronization information from the selected set of devices to one or more devices in the selected set of devices (e.g., Figures 4A-4C According to some example embodiments, the selection of the selected set of devices may be performed prior to the transmission of the request for synchronization information.

[0076] In certain example embodiments, the positioning signal received from at least one device in the selected set of devices may include a positioning reference signal (e.g., Figures 4A-4C In some example embodiments, the synchronization information may include: synchronization state auxiliary information indicating at least a synchronization level threshold (e.g., Figures 4A-4C In other example embodiments, the positioning signal may be received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via one or both of a sidelink interface and an air interface (e.g., Figures 4A-4CStep 7 in the previous step).

[0077] According to some example embodiments, the synchronization information is received from one of: a network node, a peer anchor user equipment, or a global navigation satellite system (e.g., Figures 4A-4C According to further example embodiments, the selected set of devices may include anchor user equipment (eg, 412-418), and the apparatus is a target user equipment (eg, 410).

[0078] In some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include at least one processor 22 and at least one memory 24 including computer program code. The at least one memory 24 and the computer program code may be configured to, when the instructions are executed by at least one processor 22, cause apparatus 20 to: receive a request for synchronization information from a device (e.g., Figures 4A-4C According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also be caused to: perform synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in the device set according to the received request (for example, Figures 4A-4C According to a further example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be caused to: send one or more messages (e.g., Figures 4A-4C According to some example embodiments, each of the one or more messages includes synchronization information. According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to: receive a positioning session establishment request (e.g., Figures 4A-4C According to another example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be caused to: perform positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request (e.g., Figures 4A-4C Steps 7 and 8 in the previous step).

[0079] In some example embodiments, the execution of the synchronization status evaluation may include at least one of: coordinating with one or more other devices in the device set regarding the positioning synchronization status (e.g., a Type 1 or Type 2 information request); receiving a positioning signal from one or more other devices in the device set, calculating a signal transmission time based on knowledge of the positions of the one or more devices in the device set, and estimating synchronization accuracy by taking into account positioning reference signal transmission impairments (e.g., a Type 1 or Type 2 information request); or communicating with a positioning reference point and requesting synchronization information from one or more other devices in the device set (e.g., a Type 1 or Type 2 information request). In some example embodiments, the execution of the synchronization status evaluation may include estimating a synchronization positioning reference signal drift of the device compared to a synchronization reference source or positioning reference point of the device (e.g., a Type 3 information request). In other example embodiments, the synchronization information includes at least one of the following: an identifier of one or more other devices in the device set that are commonly synchronized with one or more devices in the device set (e.g., type 1 information); an identifier of one or more other devices in the device set, and a level of synchronization between one or more devices in the device set and one or more other devices in the device set (e.g., type 1 information); a level of synchronization between one or more devices in the device set and one or more other devices in the device set (e.g., type 2 information); an indication that one or more devices in the device set uses the same synchronization reference source as one or more other devices in the device set (e.g., type 3 information); or an indication of the reliability of the synchronization.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the synchronization information may include synchronization status assistance information (eg, Figures 4A-4C In some example embodiments, the synchronization information may be sent from one of the following: a network node, a peer anchor user equipment, or a global navigation satellite system (e.g., Figures 4A-4C In other example embodiments, one or more other devices in the set of devices may include an anchor user device (eg, 412-418), and the device is a target user device (eg, 410).

[0081] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a collection of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be an element in a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a target UE, an anchor UE, a mobile equipment (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that apparatus 10 may include Figure 7 Components or features not shown.

[0082] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include: one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatus 10 may include Figure 7 Components or features not shown.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 12 may include one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 7 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be used. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). According to some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0084] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 10, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of apparatus 10, including Figures 1-6 The process and examples are illustrated in .

[0085] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enable the device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0086] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disc, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and / or the apparatus 10 to perform a program or operation. Figures 1-6 Any methods and examples illustrated in .

[0087] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals and for transmitting from the apparatus 10 via the UL. The apparatus 10 may further include a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may further include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of the following: GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0088] For example, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15 and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0089] In certain example embodiments, memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, that provide additional functionality for device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with device 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0090] According to certain example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in, or may form part of, processing circuitry or control circuitry. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in, or may form part of, transceiver circuitry.

[0091] For example, in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to receive one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to select at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. Apparatus 10 may also be controlled by memory 14 and processor 12 to perform a positioning estimate of the apparatus based on positioning signals received from at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0092] In other example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a request for synchronization information from a device. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in the set of devices based on the received request. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a positioning establishment request based on the synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to perform positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0093] like Figure 7 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may be a network, a core network element, or an element in a communication network, or associated with such a network, such as a gNB, a cell, or a NW. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the device 20 may include Figure 7 Components or features not shown.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. For example, as an example, the processor 22 may include one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 7 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be used. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0095] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of apparatus 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of apparatus 20, including Figure 1 - The process and examples illustrated in Figure 4.

[0096] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enable the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0097] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 22 and / or the apparatus 20 to perform a program or operation. Figure 1 - The method and examples illustrated in FIG4 .

[0098] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for transmitting signals and / or data to apparatus 20 and for receiving signals and / or data from apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may include, for example, multiple radio interfaces that may be coupled to antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of: GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, radio frequency identifier (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), MulteFire, and the like. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules, and the like to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks and to receive symbols (e.g., via the UL).

[0099] Thus, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission via the antenna(s) 25, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0100] In certain example embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. These modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 20. Memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, that provide additional functionality for device 20. The components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0101] According to some example embodiments, the processor 22 and the memory 24 may be included in the processing circuit system or the control circuit system, or may form part of the processing circuit system or the controller circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be included in the transceiver circuit system, or may form part of the transceiver circuit system.

[0102] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a pure hardware circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) (including a digital signal processor) with software that works together to enable a device (e.g., devices 10 and 20) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s) or portions thereof that operate using software but which may not be present when not required for operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also encompass an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors), or portions of a hardware circuit or processor, and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also encompass, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0103] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include components for performing a method, process, or any variants discussed herein. Examples of such components may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program code for causing the execution of operations.

[0104] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus comprising means for receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in a selected set of devices. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. The apparatus may also comprise means for selecting at least one device in the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information. The apparatus may also comprise means for performing a position estimation of the apparatus based on a positioning signal received from the at least one device in the selected set of devices via the positioning communication session.

[0105] Other example embodiments may also relate to an apparatus comprising: a component for receiving a request for synchronization information from a device. The apparatus may also include: a component for performing a synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in a set of devices based on the received request. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending one or more messages to the device based on the synchronization status evaluation. According to certain example embodiments, each of the one or more messages may include synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may include: a component for receiving a positioning establishment request based on the synchronization information. In addition, the apparatus may include: a component for performing positioning with the device in response to the positioning establishment request.

[0106] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, positioning accuracy can be improved in accordance with 3GPP requirements for precise positioning and customer requirements for industrial indoor positioning. In other example embodiments, faster positioning session establishment can be provided because synchronization between anchor candidates can be provided to the server UE (or, depending on the application, to the target UE) before the session starts and, therefore, before accuracy assessment. In other words, the need to (re)select an anchor UE due to anchor synchronization misalignment can be avoided.

[0107] A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that, when executed, are configured to perform certain exemplary embodiments. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or portion thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of certain exemplary embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as added or updated software routine(s). The software routine(s) may be downloaded to the device.

[0108] For example, software or computer program code or portions thereof may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form and may be stored on some carrier, distribution medium, or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers may include: recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or may be distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0109] In other example embodiments, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions may be implemented as signals, non-tangible components that may be carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the Internet or other networks.

[0110] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus (such as a node, device, or corresponding component) may be configured as a circuit system, a computer, or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element), or a chipset, which includes at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0111] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above disclosure may be practiced with procedures in a different order and / or with hardware elements in configurations different from those disclosed. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described based on these example embodiments, certain modifications, variations, and alternative configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other current or future 3GPP technologies, such as Advanced LTE and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0112] Partial glossary:

[0113] 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0114] 5G: Fifth Generation

[0115] 5GCN: 5G Core Network

[0116] 5GS: 5G system

[0117] BS: Base Station

[0118] DL: Downlink

[0119] eNB: Enhanced Node B

[0120] gNB: 5G or next generation NodeB

[0121] ID: identifier

[0122] IE: Information Element

[0123] IIoT: Industrial Internet of Things

[0124] IUC: Inter-UE Coordination

[0125] LMF: Location Management Function

[0126] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0127] NR: New Radio

[0128] NW: Network

[0129] PRS: Positioning Reference Signal

[0130] RSRP: Reference Signal Received Power

[0131] RSS: Reference Synchronous Source

[0132] RSTD: Reference Signal Time Difference

[0133] RTOA: relative time of arrival

[0134] RTT: Round Trip Time

[0135] SL: Sidelink

[0136] TDOA: Time Difference of Arrival

[0137] TRP: Transmit Receive Point

[0138] UE: User Equipment

[0139] UL: Uplink

[0140] UWB: Ultra Wideband

[0141] V2X: Vehicle-to-Everything

[0142] WI: Work Item

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving one or more messages from one or more devices in the selected set of devices, wherein each of the one or more messages includes synchronization information; selecting at least one device from the selected set of devices for a positioning communication session based on the synchronization information; as well as A positioning estimation of the apparatus is performed based on positioning signals received from the at least one device selected from the set of devices through the positioning communication session.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization information comprises at least one of the following: identifiers of one or more other devices in the selected set of devices, the one or more other devices being synchronized in common with the one or more devices in the selected set of devices and with one or more devices other than the selected set of devices, identifiers of one or more other devices in the selected set of devices, and a level of synchronization between the one or more devices in the selected set of devices and the one or more other devices in the selected set of devices and one or more devices other than the selected set of devices, a level of synchronization between the one or more devices in the selected set of devices and one or more other devices in the selected set of devices and one or more devices other than the selected set of devices, an indication that the one or more devices in the selected set of devices use the same synchronization reference source as the one or more other devices in the selected set of devices and as one or more devices other than the selected set of devices, or An indication of the reliability of the synchronization.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: selecting the selected set of devices from a plurality of sets of devices; and sending a request for the synchronization information from the selected set of devices to the one or more devices in the selected set of devices, wherein said selecting of said set of devices is performed prior to said transmitting of said request for said synchronization information.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the positioning signal received from the at least one device selected from the set of devices comprises: Positioning reference signal.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the synchronization information comprises: Synchronization status assistance information indicating at least a synchronization level threshold.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the positioning signal is received from the at least one device in the selected set of devices via one or both of a sidelink interface and an air interface.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the synchronization information is received from one of the following: Network nodes, peer anchor user equipment, or Global Navigation Satellite System.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the selected set of devices comprises anchor user equipment, and the apparatus is a target user equipment.

9. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving a request for synchronization information from a device; performing synchronization status evaluation with one or more devices in the set of devices based on the received request; Based on the synchronization status evaluation, sending one or more messages to the device, wherein each of the one or more messages includes: the synchronization information; Based on the synchronization information, receiving a positioning session establishment request; and Positioning is performed with the device in response to the position establishment request.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the performing of the synchronization state evaluation comprises at least one of: Regarding positioning synchronization state to coordinate with one or more other devices in the set of devices, receiving positioning signals from the one or more other devices in the set of devices, calculating signal transmission times based on knowledge of the positions of the one or more devices in the set of devices, and estimating synchronization accuracy by accounting for positioning reference signal transmission impairments, or Communicate with a positioning reference point and request synchronization information of the one or more other devices in the set of devices.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein performing the synchronization state evaluation comprises: A drift of a synchronization positioning reference signal of the device compared to a synchronization reference source or positioning reference point of the device is estimated.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the synchronization information comprises at least one of the following items: identifiers of the one or more other devices in the set of devices that are commonly synchronized with the one or more devices in the set of devices, identifiers of one or more other devices in the set of devices, and a level of synchronization between the one or more devices in the set of devices and the one or more other devices in the set of devices, a level of synchronization between the one or more devices in the set of devices and the one or more other devices in the set of devices, an indication that the one or more devices in the set of devices use the same synchronization reference source as the one or more other devices in the set of devices, or An indication of the reliability of the synchronization.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the synchronization information comprises: Synchronization status assistance information indicating at least a synchronization level threshold.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the synchronization information is sent from one of the following: Network nodes, peer anchor user equipment, or Global Navigation Satellite System.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the apparatus, the one or more other devices in the set of devices comprise an anchor user equipment, and the device is a target user equipment.

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